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United States Patent 3,478,546 SEAL FOR FABRIC TREATING MACHINE JacobSerbin, Cedarbrook Hill Apartments, Wyncote, Pa. 19095Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 380,740,

June 19, 1964. This application May 28, 1968, Ser.

Int. Cl. B65d 53/00; D06f 37/00 US. Cl. 68-5 17 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A seal for use in a fabric treating machine comprising ahousing including a pair of converging plates. The plates are forcedinto abutment by adjustable spring means.

This application is a continuation-in-part of US. application Ser. No.380,740, filed June 19, 1964, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a seal for use on a machine for textile webs.More particularly it relates to a seal used in the treatment ofcontinuous narrow belts of fabric.

One of the principal uses of the seal of this invention is on machinesfor the setting of dyes on fabric which will subsequently be made intoautomotive and airplane seat belts. This seat belt fabric is normally anarrow web of synthetic fibers, such as nylon fibers or Dacron polyesterfibers. One of the major problems of the synthetic fibers, either in thedyeing of the seat belt webs or any other fabric made from the fibers,is that the fibers will not absorb dyes. Therefore any dyeing must takeplace at the surface of the fibers. A new field of dyeing is now beingdeveloped for the production of dyes which will react with the surfaceof synthetic fibers to give a permanent coloring. These dyes aregenerally referred to as reactive dyes. These dyes are discussed indetail in the article beginning on page 80 of the December 1962 issue ofTextile World Magazine.

The normal method of using the reactive or the other synthetic fiberdyes in the past has been to first pad dye the fabric, dry it, and thenset the dye either with saturated steam or by baking at a hightemperature. Both of the dye setting procedures of the prior art hadtheir disadvantages. The setting with live saturated steam atatmospheric pressure was a long process and the setting was not alwaysas complete as desired. The setting with dry heat many times stopped thedyeing process and again the amount of setting was not as great as thatdesired.

Using the apparatus of this invention, the dye setting speed is greatlyincreased. Additionally, the dye is fixed on the fiber to a far greaterextent than that obtainable with the prior art methods and apparatus.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novel pressureseal for textile apparatus.

This and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providing aseal for use on a fabric treating machine comprising a housing, saidhousing including a pair of convergent plates, said plates being forcedinto abutment by spring means, and said spring means being adjustable.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of thi invention willbe readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood -byreference to the following detailed description when considered incombination with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a dye setting machine including theseal of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the process of dyeing using the machineof this invention;

Patented Nov. 18, 1969 FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken alongthe line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 4A comprise a sectional view taken along the line 4--4 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the pressureseal of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the plates of the pressure sealshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1010 of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the pressureseal of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the plates of the pressure sealof FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view taken along the line 1414 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a bank of pressure seals of this inventionshown in association with an air equalization chamber;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a portion of the electric resistanceheaters used in the machine of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the pressureseal of this invention;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1818 of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1919 of FIG.18; and

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the seal of FIG. 17 as used in abank of pressure seals in association with an air equalization chamber.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawingswherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts, a dyesetting machine including the seal of the present invention is generallyshown at 20 in FIG. 1.

The dye setting machine 20 is used in a process for dyeing continuouswebs of fabric 22. The process is shown schematically in FIG. 2 andincludes pad dyeing 24, dye setting 20, washing and rinsing 26, drying28, cooling '30 resin padding 32, a two-step resin cure 34, and resincooling 36.

By way of specific example, continuous web of fabric 22 can be fiveparallel narrow webs, as shown in FIG. 2. 'As previously pointed out,the method and apparatus of this invention find particular utility withthe dyeing of webs of fabric which will subsequently be made intoautomotive and aircraft seat belts. In the process of this invention thewebs are held under high tension. For example, when using a 2 /2 inchwidth web, the tension throughout the process varies from 400 to 500pounds per square inch. The tension is obtained by using driven drawrollers at the various stations throughout the process. In this way thetension can easily be kept constant or varied at each step of theprocess. By carrying the process out under tension, the web is preventedfrom shrinking during the process. Additionally, the elongation of thefinal web is kept at a minimum. Thus, webbing produced according to theprocess of this invention will have a maximum of 18% elongation at a2,500 pound pull.

With the exception of the dye setting machine, the other machines usedfor carrying out the process of this invention are well'known in thedyeing art. The pad dyeing process 24 can either be exhaust orrecirculating. As

will be explained hereinafter, the dye setting machine can be used forsaturated steam setting, superheated steam setting, or dry heat setting,depending on the particular dye being used. The wash and rinse step 26removes any excess dye remaining on webs 22 after the dye has been set.The drying process 28 comprises two steps. Thus an air blast is firstused to remove any excess liquid, and circulated hot air completelydries the webs. The cooling of the dried webs is carried out by passingthem over cooling cans which are conventional in the art.

If desired, the dyed webs can be given a resin coating. This is optionalwith the particular web being used. The resin coating serves thefunctions of protection for the web, such as for the purpose ofresisting abrasion, and to give more body to the material. Any of thewell known resins used for this purpose, such as acrylic resins, can beused. The resin is cured in a two-step process 34. The first stepcomprises a hot air blast and the second step comprises hot aircirculation. The resin is then cooled on conventional cooling rolls.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 4A, dye setting machine 20 basicallycomprises a housing 38, an inlet door 40, an outlet door 42 and steamchambers 44 and 46 adjacent the inlet and outlet doors, respectively.The housing 38 is supported by four vertical beams 48 which are spacedby horizontal beams 50.

Referring now to FIG. 4A it is seen that chamber 46 has an outervertical wall 52 which is part of housing 38 and an inner vertical wallformed by plate 54. As seen in FIG. 4A and FIG. 5, housing 38 has allthe walls thereof thermally insulated with insulation material 56. Anycomventional insulation material, such as fiber glass mats, can be used.

Door 42 is hinged to vertical wall 52 of housing 38 and covers opening58 in the wall. Door 42 is also thermally insulated as shown at 60. Thedoor is held closed by pivotable latches 62 having fingers 64 adapted toengage flanges 66 of vertical wall 52. The door is additionally lockedclosed by turnscrews 68 which are conventional in the art. The purposeof doors 40 and 42 is to gain access to the interior of the machine forthreading webs 22 therethrough.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4A, vertical plate 54 is provided with aplurality of horizontally and vertically aligned holes through whichtubes 70 project. These tubes are welded in place, thereby sealingchamber 46 from the central interior chamber 72 of housing 38. Outsideof the openings for tubes 70 there are no other openings connectingchamber 46 with interior chamber 72.

Four vertically aligned rollers 74 are mounted in chamber 46. As seen inFIG. 3, these rollers are mounted on shafts 76 which are in turnrotatably mounted in bearings 78. Bearings 78 are mounted on beams 48 bybolts 80. As seen in FIG. 3, each bearing comprises a gasket 82, a firstring 84 which houses a sealing ring 86, a spacer ring 88, a third ring90 which houses outer race 92, balls 94 and inner race 96. Although thespecific bearing assembly 78 is used for the shafts 76, any otherbearing assembly known to the art can be substituted.

A horizontal pipe 98 extends across the bottom of chamber 46. Pipe 98 ismounted in beam 48 by a conventional collar and coupling 100. As bestseen in FIG. 3 the top of pipe 98 is provided with a plurality of spacedopenings 102. The purpose of pipe 98 is to introduce steam underpressure into chamber 46. As seen in FIG. 3, a pipe 104 mounted in top106 of housing 38 is in communication with the interior of chamber 46. Asafety valve 108 is mounted on pipe 104. Thus, When the pressure of thesteam is chamber 46 should exceed a predetermined maximum, safety valve108 will automatically open, thereby lowering the pressure within thechamber.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 4A, tubes 70 extend throughout the entire lengthof central chamber 72 of housing 38. Thus, these tubes are closedthroughout the central portion and each has one end in communicationwith 4 chamber 44. For a purpose to be described hereinafter, tubes 70are inclined downwardly in going from chamber 44 to chamber 46.

Chamber 44 is similar in structure to chamber 46. Thus chamber 44includes an outer vertical wall 110 and an inner vertical wall definedby plate 112. Tubes 70 pass through holes in plate 112 that are alignedboth vertically and horizontally. Each of the tubes 70 is welded tovertical plate 112, thereby sealing the plate from the central portion72 of the housing. Inlet door 40 seals opening 114 in wall 110 andincludes latches 116 and turnscrews 118. A steam inlet pipe 120 which issimilar to pipe 98 projects across the entire bottom of chamber 44. Pipe120 is provided with a plurality of openings 122 (one shown) fordelivering the steam across the entire width of the chamber. As seen inFIG. 1, chamber 44 is also provided with a pipe 124 having a safetyvalve 126. Chamber 44 is also provided with four vertically alignedrollers 128. These rollers are substantially identical to rollers 74 inchamber 46 and have shafts which are journalled in vertical beams 48.

As seen in FIG. 4, webs 22 enter chamber 44 by passing through sealassembly 130. This seal assembly will be described in greater detailhereinafter. Its purpose is to permit the entry of webs 22 into chamber44 while at the same time effectively sealing the chamber in order tomaintain a superatmospheric pressure therein.

As seen in FIG. 3 five aligned webs 22 enter the machine and pass therethrough simultaneously. Referring again to FIG. 4, after passing throughthe second uppermost tubes 70, webs 22 pass around uppermost roller 128in chamber 44. In a similar manner, webs 22 pass back and forth fromchamber 44 to chamber 46 by passing through tubes 70 and around rollers128 and 74. Eventually, webs 22 pass through lower rnost tubes 70 intothe chamber 46 and out through seal assembly 132 which is identical instructure to seal assembly 130. Seal assembly 132 is mounted in verticalwall 52 of chamber 46.

In the embodiment shown, rollers 128 and 74 are merely idler rollers.However, if desired, these rollers can be driven to vary the tensionwithin the dye setting machine in order to have it differ from thetension throughout the remainder of the process. As seen in FIG. 3, thealignment of Webs 22 is maintained by vertical rods 134 which arepositioned in front of tubes 70. The tops of rods 134 are mounted inhorizontal bar 136 and the bottoms of rods 134 are mounted in horizontalbar 138. Horizontal bar 136 is in turn mounted on angle brackets 140which are bolted to beams 48 and horizontal bar 138 is mounted on anglebrackets 142 which are also bolted to beams 48. As seen in FIG. 3, allof the rods 134 are parallel and are arranged in pairs. Each pair isspaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of a single web22. Similar vertical rods 144 are supported by bars 146 and 148 inchamber 44. Thus, in passing through the machine, each web 22 will passbetween a pair of rods 134 (FIG. 3) and a similar pair of rods 144. Inthis way, the alignment of the webs is maintained.

As seen in FIGS. 4, 4A and 5, a pair of parallel horizontal braces 150extends along the entire bottom 152 of central portion 72 of housing 38.As seen in FIG. 5, each brace 150 is U-shaped and has the bridgingsection 154 uppermost. Mounted on braces 150 is a plurality of alignedpairs of U-shaped brackets 156. The bridging sections of brackets 156are lowermost and are secured to the bridging section 154 of braces 150.A pair of electric resistance heater bars 158 is bolted to each pair ofbrackets 156. As seen in FIG. 5, heater bars 158 extend acrosssubstantially the entire width of housing 38. The heater bars 158 areelectrically insulated from the remainder of the machine. This can beaccomplished by either physically insulating the bars from brackets 156or, in the embodiment shown, the brackets 156 can be made of anon-conducting materials, such as ceramic.

A plurality of electric fans 160 is mounted in the lower portion ofcentral portion 72. As seen in FIG. 5,

these fans are driven by electric motors 162 which are mounted on side164 of housing 38. This mounting is accomplished through brackets 166which are bolted and welded to side 164 and support motors 162. Themotor shafts 168 pass through openings 170 in the side 164.

A concave baffle 172 extends from brace 150 farthest from fans 160 toside 174 of housing 38. A horizontal baflie plate 176 extends along theentire length of central section 72. The ends of plate 176 are bentdownwardly to form flanges 178 (FIG. 4) and 180 (FIG. 4A). As seen inFIGS. 4 and 4A, flanges 178 and 180 are welded to vertical plates 112and 54, respectively, thereby supporting baflie plate 176. As seen inFIG. 5, bafile plate 176 is spaced inwardly from walls 174 and 164. Asfurther seen in FIG. 5, the edge 182 of bafiie plate 176 which isadjacent wall 174 is convex upwardly. Edge 184 of bafile plate 176 whichis adjacent wall 164 is concave upwardly.

Bafiie plate 176 is positioned below all of the tubes 70 and is parallelthereto. In use, when fans 160 are operating, they will circulate air inthe direction of arrows 186. Thus, as seen in FIG. 5 air will beimpelled from fans 160 across heaters 158 toward wall 174. The air isthen turned upwardly with the help of baffle plate 172 and convex edge182. This forces the air to circulate around tubes 70. The path of theair is then back to fans 160 across concave edge 184. The fans will notcause any substantial increase in pressure within the chamber formed incentral portion 72, since any excess air can escape through openings 170around motor shafts 168.

In use, webs 22 which were just previously dyed in pad dyer 24 are fedinto dye setting machine 20. When the webs are used for making seatbelts, they are usually woven from synthetic fibers which have greattensile strength. Thus, polyester fibers, such as Dacron, or nylonfibers are most generally used. The most common of the synthetic fiberdyes must be set by saturated steam. In the prior art this steam was fedinto chambers maintained at atmospheric pressure. Extensive time wasrequired for the setting of the dye. Using the machine of thisinvention, saturated steam can be used at superatrnospheric pressure.Thus a steam pressure of up to fourteen pounds per square inch gage canbe maintained in the machine of this invention. Under normal operatingconditions it has been found that saturated steam pressures of 1.3pounds per square inch gage to 2.3 pounds per square inch gage giveexcellent results. These pressures give steam temperatures of from 216F. to 219 F., respectively.

One of the critical features of most of the synthetic fiber dyes is thatthey must be set with saturated steam. Thus, if wet steam were used, thecondensation of moisture on the interior of the setting machine housingand subsequent dripping of this moisture onto the dyed web will resultin water spots. The use of superheated steam, although it would set thedye faster, also has disadvantages because it would likewise dry thedye, thereby giving an imperfect appearance of the dyed product. The useof saturated steam under pressure permits effective setting of the dyewhile at the same time obtaining a shorter setting time. This is becausehigher temperatures are obtained without the accompanying drying of thedye which would occur when using superheated steam.

The steam that is used in the machine of this invention is fed throughpipe 98 into chamber 46. Suitable pressure and temperature controls areprovided for the steam. Thus the pressure control is shown schematicallyat 188 in FIG. 1 and the temperature of the steam is recorded at 190 inFIG. 1. Any of the controls well known in the art, such as Foxborocontrols, may be used. The steam, which is admitted under predeterminedpressure, will then rise in chamber 46 and pass into tubes 70. Since thetubes are inclined upwardly and since the hot steam will rise, the steamwill pass upwardly through the tubes toward chamber 44. However, inorder to equalize the pressure in chamber 44, steam is also fed intothis chamber through pipe 120. The steam entering chamber 44 is at thesame pressure as that entering chamber 46. Therefore, once equilibriumhas been reached the pressure throughout machine 20 can be maintainedconstant. The temperature of the steam can be determined from meter 190.

Once equilibrium has been reached, the walls of tubes 70 should be atsubstantially the same temperature as the temperature of the incomingsteam. This is because the walls are metallic and will readily conductthe heat from the steam. However, in order to insure that the walls ofthe tubes are maintained at the same temperature as the steam, metallicelectric resistance heaters 158 are provided. When these heaters areturned on, fans 1 60 will circulate the heat produced thereby into theair and around tubes 70. As previously pointed out there is no steam incentral portion 72 of housing 38. Thus steam is present solely inchamber 44, chamber 46, and in tubes 70. Only air can pass around thetubes. Therefore, by circulating the heated air around tubes 70, thetemperature of the tubes can be maintained at the same temperature asthe steam. In his way, condensation of the steam on the interior wallsof the tubes is prevented since there is no cold surface on which thesteam can condense. Since condensation is substantially prevented, thereis no fear of water marks forming on the dyed webs.

As seen in FIG. 6, the temperature within tubes 70 is determined bythermometer bulb 192. This bulb rests within a sealed tube 194 which hasone end opening into one of the tubes 70. Thermometer bulb 192 isconnected through lead 196 to Fenwal temperature control 198. A safetyvalve 200 is mounted on tube 194. Safety valve 200 is an additionalprotection and will open if the pressure should become too great withintubes 70.

A second thermometer bulb 202 is secured on the exterior of a tube 70which is adjacent to the tube in which thermometer bulb 192 is incommunication. Lead 204 is connected to bulb 202 and passes through wall174 of housing 38. Lead 204 is also connected to Fenwal temperaturecontrol 206.

In use, temperature controls 198 and 206 determine the temperature ofthe steam within tubes 70* and the temperature of the walls of tubes 70.In this connection, it has been found that the temperatures of the steamand the walls of the tube are relatively constant throughout themachine. Thus, the readings of these temperatures are determinative ofthe temperatures throughout the machine. When it is found that thetemperature of the walls of the tubes is substantially less than thetemperature of the steam within the tubes, the electric resistanceheaters will be turned on and the walls of the tubes are heated untilthey are brought up to the same temperature as the steam. However, aspointed out above, for low steam pressures it has been found that thewalls of the tubes are heated sufficiently by the steam itself toobviate the necessity of using the auxiliary electric heaters. Theinsulation of housing 38 prevents the tubes 70 from cooling down.

Even with the precautions mentioned above, it is still found that insome instances the steam will condense on the walls of the tubes. Insuch instances, the condensed moisture will roll down the walls of thetubes to the base of the tubes. In view of the fact that the tubes areinclined, the condensed moisture will then move toward the lower ends ofthe tubes which exit in chamber '46. The moisture is then convenientlyremoved from chamber 46 by inclined troughs 208 which are secured toeach horizontal row of tubes (see FIGS. 3 and 4A). The moisture which iscollected in the troughs will then flow into vertical collecting tubes210 which are mounted on the sides of chamber 46. This is best seen withrespect to lowermost tube 208 in FIG. 3. The water collected in tubes2-10 is then deposited on inclined floor 212 of chamber 46. From therethe water will pass into pipe 214. Pipe 214 is in turn connected to aconventional steam trap. In this way, none of the steam pressure withinchamber 46 is lost through pipe 214.

Although not shown, troughs similar to troughs 208 can be used on theends of tubes 70 in chamber 44. Under most circumstances the condensedmoisture will move downwardly through the tubes into chamber 46.However, if any turbulance should occur in the steam, the moisture canbe forced out of the upper ends of the tubes 70. For this reason thetroughs may also be used in chamber 44. Condensed moisture within thechamber will pass through pipe 216 which also has a steam trap thereon.

The use of the tubes in combination with the troughs 208 has been foundto be particularly advantageous in the setting of the dye. Thus if anycondensation should result, the moisture will roll down the sides of thetubes and be collected in the bottoms of the tubes. There is littledanger of the condensed moisture dripping on the dyed webs, therebygetting water marks. Likewise when there is a moisture buildup withinthe tubes, the moisture will flow to the ends of the tubes and becollected in troughs 208 where it is safely carried to the sides ofchamber 46. Thus, it is again seen, there is no fear of the condensedwater dripping on the dyed webs. These double safety features have beenfound to be extremely effective. In the prior art, where the dye was setat atmospheric pressure with saturated steam, it was found that steamwould condense on the top of the setting chamber and would eventuallydrip off onto the dyed fabric, thereby getting water marks. This problemis substantially completely obviated by the machine of this invention.

As seen in FIG. 16 a portion of the electric resistance heaters 158 usedin this invention is shown schematically. For the purpose ofillustration, heaters 158 have been specifically numbered as 218, 220,222, 223, 22.6, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 246 and248, respectively. Thus sixteen heaters have been shown as beingexemplary of the wiring arrangement for the heaters. Lead lines 250,252, 254, 256, 258 and 260 supply the current for two-thirds of theheaters used. Lead lines 262, 264 and 266 supply the current forone-third of the heaters used. By way of example, it is seen that whencurrent is passed through lines 252 and 254, heaters 222, 224, 228 and230, among others, will be energized. Likewise, when current is passedthrough lines 262 and 264, heaters 226 and 232, among others, will beenergized. By a similar analysis it is seen that out of every sixheaters, four of them will be energized by upper leads 250, 252, 254,256 or 260 and two of them will be energized by leads 262, 264 or 266.In this way, two-thirds of the heaters and one-third of the heaters canbe independently controlled. Thus, when only a small amount of auxiliaryheat is needed, current will be passed solely through leads 262, 264 and266. When a slightly greater amount of heat is needed, current will bepassed solely through leads 250, 252, 254, 256, 258 and 260. When anextremely large amount of heat is needed, current will be passed throughall of the leads. Since the heaters energized by any set of leads arestaggered according to a regular pattern, the heat within centralchamber 72 will be substantially uniform. Although only sixteen heatershave been shown as being exemplary, obviously the number of heaters canbe increased or decreased dependingupon the size and requirements of themachine. For the machine shown, a total of sixty-six bar heaters hasbeen found to be 'most effective.

Seal assembly 130 is shown in FIG. 15. This seal assembly comprises apressure chamber 268 and a plurality of individual seals 270. Seals 270are arranged in aligned pairs with one of each pair being bolted tolateral wall 272 of chamber 268 and the other being bolted to lateralwall 274 of chamber 268. Additionally, it is seen that the seal boltedto wall 272 projects into chamber 268 and the seal bolted to wall 274extends outwardly of the wall. Chamber 268 is sealed and substantiallypressure tight. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 4A, a pipe 276 is tapped into thebase of the chamber. The purpose of the pipe 276 is to permit theintroduction of air under pressure within chamber 268. In this way thepressure within the chamber 268 can be made to equal the pressure withinchambers 44 and 46. Thus, there will be no pressure drop caused by apressure differential between chambers 44 and 46 and the pressure withinchamber 268 of seal assemblies and 132. In this way, leakage of steamout of the machine caused by a drop in pressure is substantiallyeliminated.

A first embodiment of a seal 270 which is utilizable in seal assembly130 or 132 is shown in FIG. 7. Seal 270 includes a rear chamber orhousing 278 which tapers inwardly as it approaches the front of theseal. A rectangular plate 280 is secured to the rear edge of chamber278. This securement is obtained by flanges 282 which are welded to thewalls of chamber 278. Plate 280 is provided with a plurality of holes284. Bolts are passed through holes 284 in order to secure the seals tochamber 268. Bottom wall 286 (FIG. 9) is provided with upturned flanges288 (FIG. 7) which are welded to the side walls 290 of chamber 278.Bottom wall 286 additionally includes a substantially horizontal forwardextension 292. Forward extension 292 is also provided with upturnedflanges 294 (FIG. 7). The forward edge of extension 292 is bentperpendicularly downward to form flange 296.

A horizontal plate 298 projects forwardly of extension 292 and issecured thereto by U-shaped lip 300 which engages flange 296. Theforward portion of plate 298 is bent downwardly, then upwardly to form aU-shaped socket 302. A substantially flat plastic sheet 304 is mountedon top of plates 292 and 298. Sheet 304 is secured in place by bolts 306which pass through the sheet and its supporting plates. The bolt holesin the sheet are countersunk in order to recess the bolt heads. In thisway, the sheet provides a substantially smooth surface. The forwardportion 308 of sheet 304 is bent downwardly and is received in U-shapedsocket 302.

Top wall 310 of chamber 278 includes a horizontal extension 312.Extension 312 includes a pair of downwardly projecting side flanges 314(FIG. 10). Flanges 294 of bottom wall 292 abut flanges 314 and arewelded thereto. Extension 312 also includes upwardly projecting verticalflange 316 at the forward edge thereof. A plastic plate 318 is securedto forward extension 312 by countersunk bolts 320. The forward portion322 of plate 318 is curved upwardly. Curved plate 324 having a forwardU-shaped lip 326 is secured to the top of plastic plate 318 bycountersunk bolts 328. The forward portion 322 of plate 318 is receivedin lip 326. The rear of plate 324 is bent vertically upward to formflange 330.

A pair of laterally spaced parallel plastic blocks 332 is mounted onplastic plate 304. This securement is partially obtained by bolts 334(FIG. 9) which pass through plate 298, plate 304, and into the bottom ofblocks 332. As seen in FIG. 9, blocks 332 rest on plate 304 throughoutits entire length. Referring now to FIG. 8 it is seen that plate 318includes a central portion 336 having a T- extension 338 at its rear. Asbest seen in FIG. 10, blocks 332 are laterally spaced a distance whichis slightly greater than the width of central portion 336 of plate 318.Thus, as seen in FIG. 9, central portion 336 is received between theblocks 332. As further seen in FIG. 9, the T- extension 338 of plate 318rests on the top of blocks 332. If desired, the tops of blocks 332 canbe recessed to receive the T-extension.

A pair of substantially vertical supports 340 are secured on the sidesof blocks 332. Each plate includes an inwardly projecting flange 342 atthe bottom thereof (FIG. 10). A bolt 343 passes through each block 332,plate 304, plate 298, and flange 342. Bolts 344 are secured 1n place byassociated nuts 346. The tops of supports 340 are inwardly offset, asbest seen in FIG. 10 and are provided with a pair of aligned holes. Ashaft 348 having externally threaded ends passes through these holes.The shaft is secured in place by nuts 350 secured on the threaded ends.A pair of coiled compression springs 352 is telescoped over shaft 348.Each of these springs includes a rearwardly extending finger 354 havinga hooked end which engages vertical flange 316 of horizontal section312. Each spring 352 also includes a forwardly extending finger 356which has a hooked end which engages vertical flange 330 of plate 324.

In use, webs of fabric are fed through a pair of aligned seals 270. Thewebs can be fed through either end of the seals. Thus, as best seen inFIG. 9, by providing the flared curved surfaces of plates 304 and 318,the web can easily be fed into the forward end of the seal. This isaccomplished by merely lifting plate 318 relative to fixed plate 304.After the web has been fed, the plate 318 is automatically returned tothe position shown in FIG. 9 by the pressure of finger 356 of spring352. Thus, it is seen that spring 52 will maintain a continual pressureagainst the plate 318. In this Way, seal 270 will be maintained in anormally closed condition. Air leakage through the sides of the seal isprevented by the abutting relation of the sides of plate 318 withplastic blocks 332, as best seen in FIG. 10. Thus, plates 304 and 318,and blocks 332 comprise a housing which acts as a seal for thetravelling webs.

If desired, the web can also be fed through the rear side of seals 270.To facilitate the entry of the web, the portions of plates 318 and 304which are located between blocks 334 are provided with rear bevellededges 358 and 360, respectively. In order to facilitate the insertion ofthe web 22 from either end of the seal, a long narrow strip of rigidsheet metal can be bent in half and the leading edge of the web 22placed within the bent metal. The rigid bent metal can then be forcedthrough a pair of aligned seals. Once the metal has been pulled throughthe seals, it is removed and the web can then be continued along itspath in the machine or throughout the remainder of the process.Generally, one width of material will be continually used in themachine. For a width of 2% inches, the normal width of a seat belt web,blocks 332 will be spaced a distance slightly greater than 2 /8 inches.Thus the possibility of leakage is substantially lessened since thereare no openings in the seal other than the opening needed to accommodatethe web being passed therethrough. When using widths that aresubstantially smaller or greater than 2% inches, seals of differentsizes can be used.

Plates 304 and 318 and blocks 332 are made of a heat resistant plastichaving a low coeflicient of friction. Additionally, the plastic must besufliciently flexible to permit it to yield under the pressure of spring352. A plastic which has been found to be particularly useful for thisinvention is Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene). This plastic is desirablebecause of its high heat resistance, extremely low coeflicient offriction, and the fact that it is almost completely chemically inert.Another plastic which may be used under some applications is nylon.

A second embodiment of a seal which may be used with this invention isgenerally shown at 362 in FIG. 11. Seal 362 is similar to seal 270 inthat it includes a rear chamber 364 having a mounting plate 366 on therear thereof. As seen in FIG. 13, top wall 368 of chamber 364 includes aforward horizontal extension 37 0. Mounted on extension 370 is arectangular plastic plate 372. A rectangular metal plate 374 is mountedon top of plastic plate 372.

The lower wall 276 of chamber 364 includes a forward horizontalextension 378. Mounted against extension 378 is the T-extension 380(FIG. 12) of lower plastic plate 382. As further seen in FIG. 12,plastic plate 382 includes a forward rectangular section 384. A pair ofspaced parallel metallic blocks 386 is mounted against the bottom ofplastic plate 372. The rear undersurfaces of blocks 386 are recessed toreceive the outer extremities of T-extension 380, as best seen in FIG.11. As is also apparent from FIG. 11, the sides of horizontal extensions370 and 378 of chamber 364 terminate inwardly of blocks 386. Arectangular metallic plate 388 which is approximately equal in size andshape to T-extension 380 of plastic plate 382 is mounted under andagainst the T-extension. Two pairs of aligned bolts 390 pass throughaligned holes in plate 374, plate 372, blocks 386, T-extension 380 andplate 388. These bolts are secured in place by nuts 392 (FIG. 13). Aspreviously pointed out, extensions 370 and 378 are spaced inwardly ofblocks 386, and therefore bolts 390 will not pass through theextensions.

As best seen in FIG. 14, blocks 386 are spaced a distance which isslightly greater than the width of horizontal portion 384 of plate 382.As seen in FIG. 13, horizontal extension 384 is movable relative toplate 372. In this manner, rectangular portion 384 performs the samesealing function as the forward portion 336 of plate 318 of seal 270.Coiled compression springs 394 hold rectangular portion 384 of plate 382resiliently in place. Thus it is seen that a cylindrical rod 396 ispositioned below plate 382. Rod 396 is provided with outer recesses 398(FIG. 14) which receive blocks 386. Thus, the upper surface of rod 396can force plate 382 into close abutment with plate 372 withoutinterference from blocks 386, as seen in FIG. 14. In this embodiment,plates 372 and 382, and blocks 386 comprise a housing which acts as theseal for the travelling webs.

Shafts 400 are threadedly secured in cylinder 396 and pass throughaligned openings in blocks 386, plate 372 and plate 374. Springs 394 aretelescoped over these shafts. Nuts 402 are threadedly received on thetops of shafts 400. It is thus seen that the tension on springs 394 canbe increased or decreased by the appropriate rotation of nuts 402 onshafts 400. Since the shafts 400 are fixedly secured to cylinder 396 andare freely slidable in blocks 386, plate 372 and plate 374, theincreasing of the tension on springs 394 will in turn increase thepressure of plate 382 against plate 372. In this way an effective sealcan be maintained, and the pressure on the seal can be varied dependingupon the thickness of the web passing through the seal. If desired, asecond pair of nuts can be added to shafts 400 above nuts 402. Thesesecond nuts can serve as lock nuts in order to insure that the tensionon springs 394 will not inadvertently be varied once it is set.

Bolts 404 pass through aligned holes in plate 374, plate 372, blocks 386and crossbar 406 in order to give additional stability to the seal.Bolts 404 are secured in place by associated nuts 408. Additionally,bolts 410 pass through aligned holes in plates 374 and 372 and arethreadedly received in blocks 386 to further stabilize the seal.

Seal 362 is used in substantially the same manner as seal 270. The onlyopening into the interior of the seal is through the resiliently mountedplate 382. The threading of the web within the seal is carried out inthe same manner as the threading of seal 270. However, when it isdesired to thread the web through the front of the seal, it is necessaryto first reduce the tension on springs 394. This is accomplished byrotating nuts 402 upwardly at shafts 400. This facilitates forcing thefront of plate 382 downward, thereby providing for the easy insertion ofthe web through the front of the seal. Once the web has been inserted,the tension on the springs is again increased to the desired degree inorder to insure free slidability of the web while at the same timeinsuring an effective seal against steam leakage and a resultant loss inpressure.

In seal 362, plates 372 and 382 are made of a heat resistant plasticwith a low coeflicient of friction. Again Teflon is a preferredmaterial. All of the metallic parts of seals 270 and 362 are preferablymade of stainless steel in view of the fact that the seals will becontinually contacted by steam. Thus, stainless steel is preferredbecause of its rust resistance.

A third embodiment of the seal of this invention is generally shown at420 in FIG. 17. Device 420 includes a housing 422 formed by side walls424, bottom plate 426 and upper plate 428. As seen in FIGS. 17 and 19,walls 424 and bottom plate 426 are formed from a unitary metal member.

Upper plate 428 is provided with a channel 430 in the top surfacethereof. Channel 430 is covered with plate 432 having a longitudinallyextending slot 434 passing therethrough. Slot 434 is in communicationwith channel 430. Plate 432 is secured on plate 428 by any suitablemeans, such as screws 436.

Side walls 424 are each provided with upstanding tabs 438 which areunitary with side walls 424. Each tab 438 is provided with a laterallyextending hole 440. A rod 442 Passes between tabs 438 and is pivotallysecured in place by bolts 444 having shanks passing through holes 440,and which are threadedly secured in rod 442 (FIG. 19). If desired, lockwashers 446 can be associated with bolts 444.

An arm 448 extends downwardly from rod 442 and is unitary therewith. Arm448 passes through slot 434 and into channel 430. A pin 450 (FIG. 19)passes transversely through the bottom of arm 448 in the area bounded bychannel 430, and a pair of rollers 452 is rotatably mounted on pin 450,and on opposite sides of arm 448.

A continuous flange 454 projects outwardly from side walls 424 andbottom plate 426. Flange 454 is provided with a plurality of bolt holes456. A mounting plate 458 is mounted on the back of housing 422 by bolts460 which are secured in bolt holes 456 of flange 454. Mounting flange458 is in turn provided with a plurality of holes 462 for securement ofthe seal onto the machine of this invention or onto an air chambercontaining a bank of seals.

The portions of flange 454 on the side Walls 424 are terminated belowthe tops of walls 424, as shown in FIG. 17. Likewise, walls 424 are cutdownwardly at the rear edge, as shown at 464 in FIG. 17. In this way,the cut portion of walls 424 and the tops of flange 454 provide ashoulder for the reception of a bar 466. Bar 466 is secured on theflange 454 by screws 468. Bar 466 is provided with a reduced portion 470which is received between and tightly abuts the interior of walls 424.As seen in FIG. 18, reduced portion 470 is provided with an arcuatesocket 472 having a forward opening 474. Plate 428 is provided with asubstantially cylindrical rear edge 476 which is received in socket 474.The diameter of cylindrical portion 476 is greater than the height ofopening 474. In this way, the plate 428 is pivotally mounted withinsocket 472, but cannot inadvertently be removed from the socket.

A rod 478 passes through a centrally located hole 480 in the upperportion of mounting plate 458. The rear end of rod 478 is externallythreaded, as shown at 482 in FIG. 17. The forward end of rod 478 isflattened and provided with a pair of spaced fingers 484 (FIGS. -17 and19). Fingers 484 pass on opposite sides of arm 448. A pin 486 passesthrough the fingers 484 and arm 448, thereby pivotally connecting rod478 to arm 448.

As seen in FIG. 19, plate 428 is provided with a pair of longitudinallyextending slots 488 in its side walls. A pair of plastic strips 490 issecured on the side walls of plate 428. Each plastic strip includes alongitudinally extending tongue 492 which is received in the adjacentslot or groove 488 in plate 428. Plastic strips 490 are preferably madeof a material having a low coeflicient of friction, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene. The strips are held in place by tongues 492 ingrooves 488. Thus, as seen in FIG. 19, the strips abut the interior ofwalls 424, and this maintains the tongues 492 in their associatedgrooves. Vertical movement of plate 428 will not remove the strips fromtheir position, since the tongues will prevent the displacement of theplastic strips during the vertical movement.

As pointed out above, the side walls 424 and bottom plate 426 are formedfrom a unitary metal member. This can be accomplished by providing anextrusion and subsequently cutting the walls into the required shape.During the cutting operation, the tabs 438 will also be formed. When anextrusion is used, the flange 454 will then be bolted or screwed inplace. Instead of having an extruded 12 member, the side walls 424 andthe bottom plate 426 can be separate members which are bolted together.During the assembly process, upper plate 428 is mounted within socket472 of bar 466 by sliding it into place and then the bar is secured inplace by bolts 468. Rod 478 is passed through hole 480 in mountingbracket 458. Thereafter, rod 442 is secured in place by bolts 444 withthe rollers 452 received in channel 430. The assembly is completed bybolting plate 432 in place.

Seal 420 is used by securing it on machine 20 in the same manner as theother seals of this invention. When a single seal is used, the seal willbe bolted onto the entrance or exit chamber of the machine by the use ofbolts passing through holes 462. The rod 478 will pass into the entranceor exit chamber of the machine. Thereafter a compression spring will betelescoped over the threaded end of rod 478 and secured in place by anut which is threadedly engaged on the rod. With the spring in place,the rod will be urged rearwardly, as viewed in FIGS. 17 and 18, throughthe urging of the spring against the nut secured on the end of the rodand the interior surface of the entrance or exit chamber. When the roddoes not pass through the wall of a chamber, the spring will abut therear side of mounting plate 458 and the nut threaded on section 482.This will maintain the arm 448 against the rear edge of slot 434, andwill in addition maintain upper plate 428 in abutment with lower plate426, as best seen in FIG. 18. Thus, an effective resiliently mountedseal will be maintained against fabric Webs passing between plates 426and 428 and between side walls 424 of seal 420.

When it is desired to thread the fabric webs into the seal, rod 478 ispushed forward, thereby applying a pressure against the spring whichwould normally keep the rod in a retracted position. When the rod ispushed forward, rollers 454 will ride against the undersurface of plate432, thereby causing plate 432 and associated plate 428 to pivotupwardly in the direction of arrow 494 (FIG. 18). The upper positions ofplates 428 and 432 are shown at 428' and 432' in FIG. 18. At the sametime, arm 448 will pivot forwardly in the direction of arrow 495 to theposition shown at 448' in FIG. 18. The pivotal movement of plate 428 isaround cylindrical member 476 which is received in socket 472. The samepivotal movement can be obtained merely by lifting plate 428 in thedirection of arrow 494. Here again, the lifting will cause thecompression of the spring on rod 478.

With the plate 428 so raised, it is a relatively simple matter to threadthe web of fabric in the same manner as was done with seals 270 and 362.In order to facilitate the threading of the web into the front of theseal, rounded edges 496 are provided on walls 424. Likewise, the loweredge of plate 428 is rounded, as shown at 498 in FIG. 18, and the upperedge of plate 426 is rounded as shown at 500 in FIG. 18. Thepolytetrafluoroethylene strips facilitate the raising and lowering ofthe upper plate 428 for the feeding of the fabric. After the fabric hasbeen fed, the tension on the spring telescoped over rod 478 willimmediately return the upper plate to the position shown in full line inFIG. 18, thereby providing an effective seal for the fabric.

Having the nut threadedly mounted on section 482 of the rod permits anadjustment of the pressure of plate 428 against lower plate 426. Thus,for thinner fabrics, it may be necessary to increase the pressure of theupper plate, and conversely, for thicker fabrics, the pressure can bedecreased. Thus, the seal of this embodiment is completely adjustable asto the amount of pressure which will be placed against the fabric. Thecriteria to be followed are that there must be sufiicient pressure tomaintain an eifective seal while at the same time the pressure shouldnot be so great as to damage the fabric passing through the seal. Theexact amount of pressure necessary for any particular fabric is easilydetermined by the user of the seal.

In FIG. 20, the seal 420 is shown while used in a bank of seals similarto that shown in FIG. 15. The seal assembly will include an air chamber502 similar to air chamber 268. In addition, a pipe 504 will be providedfor maintaining a pressure within chamber 502 which is equal to thepressure within chambers 44 and 46. The chamber 502 having a bank ofseals 420 can be mounted on the front wall 110 of chamber 44 or on theouter wall of chamber 46, in the same manner as bank of seals 130. InFIG. 20 it is seen that rods 482 both pass through the outer wall 506 ofchamber 502. Each rod 482 has a spring 508 telescoped thereover. Eachspring is secured in place by a nut 510. Thus, the amount of tension onrod 482, and therefore the amount of pressure on plate 428, can becontrolled externally of chamber 502. Likewise, when feeding the fabric22 through the seals, both seals 420 can be opened externally of chamber502 by pressure against the ends of rods 482. This provides a distinctadvantage over seals 270 and 362.

In FIGS. 4 and 4A it is seen that the individual seals of each sealassembly face inwardly with respect to their respective chambers 44 and46. The reason for this is that it has been found that this arrangementprovides a more efficient pressure seal. Thus there is no buildup ofsteam pressure within the housing of the seals, which would occur if thesteam were in direct contact with the chambers. As previously pointedout, when desired, air under pressure can be fed into chamber 268 orchamber 502 of each seal assembly in order to obtain an equal pressurebetween chambers 44 and 46 and the interiors of the seal assemblies.When the dye setting machine is used at low pressures, complete sealassemblies 130 and 132 may not be necessary. Thus, instead of havingpairs of spaced seals mounted on a pressure chamber, single sealsmounted on a plate may be used. In this way, the web 22 will passthrough only one seal, instead of two, in entering machine 20 and passthrough only one seal on leaving machine 20.

Any of the above-described seals may be used on the machine of thisinvention. The main advantage of seals 362 and 420 is that the springtension is adjustable by adjusting the nuts associated with the springs.Thus, if it is found that there is a great deal of resistance to thesliding of the web over the plastic plates, the spring tension can belessened. Likewise, if it is found that there is a great deal of leakagearound the web, the spring tension can be increased.

As pointed out above, one of the advantages of seal 420 over the otherseals of this invention is the fact that the two plates of the seal canbe opened externally of a pressure chamber in order to feed the fabricthrough a pair of aligned seals, as shown in FIG. 20. Another feature ofseal 420 is that a smooth sliding surface between plates 426 and 428 isobtained without the use of the plastic facing of seals 270 and 362.Thus, it has been found that during extended periods of continuous use,there could be an abrading of the polytetrafluoroethylene plates by thefabric passing between the plates. Eventually, the plates could be wornout by the fabric, and would have to be replaced. Although thissituation will not occur under most circumstances, it is a potentialproblem which is obviated by seal 420. Thus, in seal 420, the platescomprise a polished metal, such as stainless steel. The polishing of thestainless steel will give the sufficient smoothness to the plates topermit the fabric webs to pass between them without damaging the fabricweb. At the same time, the stainless steel is suflicienly durable toprevent it from being damaged by continuous lengths of web passingbetween the plates during extended periods of use.

In seal 420, the polytetrafluoroethylene which is present along theedges of plate 428 is not contacted by the fabric webs. Thus, the onlytime the plastic strips 490 will be subjected to any abrasion is whenthe plate 428- is lifted for the threading of the fabric web. Thislifting will have no noticeable adverse affect on the plastic strips,since the plastic strips are merely present to provide an effective edgeseal while at the same time providing a low coefficient of frictionbetween the adjacent surfaces of the plate 428 and the interior faces ofwalls 424.

It can the seen by reference to the aforementioned December 1962 issueof Textile World Magazine that there are numerous reactive dyespresently in use for the dyeing of synthetic fibers and materials wovenfrom these fibers. In fact, the dyeing art is expanding every day. Evenwith.the present knowledge of synthetic fiber dyes, it has been foundthat these dyes can be set under varying conditions, depending on theexact nature of the dye. Thus, although the majority of dyes are now setwith saturated steam there are other dyes that can be set withsuperheated steam and still others which can be set with intensive dryheat. The machine of this invention is adapted for use with any one ofthese dyes. Thus, as explained above, the machine of this invention canbe used by supplying saturated .steam under pressure for setting thedyes. If desired, after saturated steam is supplied under pressure, thesteam can be superheated by the use of the electrical resistanceheaters.Thus by heating the air around tubes 70 to a higher temperature than thetemperature of the steam being fed under pressure, the steam can besuperheated. In some instances, the dye can be set merely by the use ofdry heat. Here again, the dyed webs will be fed through tubes 70.However, no steam will be admitted to the tubes. Instead, all of theheat will be generated by the electric resistance heaters and heated airwill be circulated around tubes 70, thereby heating the tubes. This inturn will cause the heating of the air within the tubes and thesubsequent setting of the dye on the webs.

-The speed of travel of the dyed webs through the machine of thisinvention will normally range from 5 to 35 yards per minute, with anaverage speed of 20 yards per minute. The actual speed used for anygiven run will generally depend on the color of the dye being used.

Thus, for light colors, a faster speed will be used and for dark colors,a slower speed will be used.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate myinvention, that others may, by applying current or future knowledge,adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. A seal for use on a fabric treating machine comprising a housing,said housing including a pair of convergent plates, said plates beingforced into abutment by spring means, means for adjusting the pressureon said spring means, a plurality of rods associated with one of saidplates, with said spring means comprising a coiled compression springtelescoped over each rod, said adjusting means being associated withsaid rods for adjusting the pressure on said springs, and a bar abuttingsaid one of said plates, said rods being secured to said bar, wherebythe pressure of said springs will force said bar against said one ofsaid plates, and said one of said plates will be forced into abutmentwith the other of said plates.

2. The seal of claim 1 wherein said plates comprisepolytetrafluoroethylene.

3. A seal for use on a fabric treating machine comprising a housing,said housing including a pair of convergent plates, said plates beingforced into abutment by spring means, means for adjusting the pressureon said spring means, a rod associated with one of said plates, saidspring means comprising a coiled compression spring telescoped over saidrod, said adjusting means being associated with said rod for adjustingthe pressure on said spring, said rod being pivotally secured to an arm,said arm being received within a channel in said one of said plates,said arm being pivotally mounted with respect to said one of saidplates, and means associated with said arm to pivot said one of saidplates through pivotal movement of said arm.

4. The seal of claim 3 wherein said means to pivot said one of saidplates comprises at least one roller mounted on said arm in the area ofsaid channel.

5. The seal of claim 4 wherein said channel is covered by a plate havinga longitudinally extending slot therein, said arm being pivotallymovable within said slot, and said roller contacting said cover platewhen said arm is pivoted, thereby moving said one of said plates out ofabutment with the other of said plates.

6. The seal of claim 5 wherein the pivoting of said arm in a directionopposite that which will raise said one of said plates will cause saidroller to contact the base of said channel, thereby moving said one ofsaid plates into abutment with the other of said plates.

7. The seal of claim 3 wherein said housing is associated with amounting flange adapted for securing said seal on a fabric treatingmachine.

8. The seal of claim 3 wherein said housing additionally comprises apair of side walls, with one of said plates having edges which abut saidside walls and are slidable relative thereto.

9. The seal of claim 8 wherein said one of said plates has a plasticfacing on the edges thereof, said plastic facing abutting said sidewalls.

10. The seal of claim 9 wherein said plastic facing comprisespolytetrofluoroethylene.

11. The seal of claim 9 wherein said plastic facing includeslongitudinally extending tongues which are received in longitudinallyextending grooves in the edges of said one of said plates.

12. The seal of claim 3 wherein said plates comprise stainless steel.

13. A seal for use on a fabric treating machine comprising a housing,said housing including a pair of convergent plates, said plates beingforced into abutment by spring means, means for adjusting the pressureon said spring means, said housing additionally comprising a pair ofside walls, with one of said plates having edges which abut said sideWalls and are slidable relative thereto, and said one of said plateshaving a plastic facing on the edges thereof, said plastic facingabutting said side walls.

14. The seal of claim 13 wherein said plastic facing comprisespolytetrafluoroethylene.

15. The seal of claim 13 wherein said plastic facing includeslongitudinally extending tongues which are received in longitudinallyextending grooves in the edges of said one of said plates.

16. A sealing assembly for use on a fabric treating machine comprising apressure chamber, a pair of aligned fabric seals on opposite walls ofsaid pressure chamber, each of said fabric seals comprising a housing,said housing including a pair of convergent plates, said plates beingforced into abutment by spring means, means for adjusting the pressureon said spring means, each fabric seal further including a rodassociated with one of said plates, said spring means comprising acoiled compression spring telescoped over said rod, means on said rodfor adjusting the pressure of said spring means, with the rods on bothof said seals having portions thereof which are exterior of saidpressure chamber, with said exterior portions passing through the samewall of said pressure chamber, and said spring means and said adjustingmeans being positioned on said exterior portions.

17. A sealing assembly for use on a fabric treating machine comprising apressure chamber, a pair of aligned fabric seals on opposite walls ofsaid pressure chamber, each of'said fabric seals comprising a housing,said housing including a pair of convergent plates, said plates beingforced into abutment by spring means, means for adjusting the pressureon said spring means, each fabric seal further including a rodassociated with one of said plates, said spring means comprising acoiled compression spring telescoped over said rod, means on said rodfor adjusting the pressure'on said spring means, with the rods on bothof said seals having portions thereof which are exterior of saidpressure chamber, said spring means and said adjusting means beingpositioned on said exterior portions, and means pivotally linked to saidrods which are adapted to cause the convergence and divergence of saidone of said plates relative to the other of said plates, whereby thelongitudinal movement of said rods exteriorly of said pressure chambercan cause the divergence of said plates to facilitate the feeding offabric through said aligned seals.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 890,252 6/1908 Thompson 68-5 X1,371,914 3/1921 Lewis et a1 68-5 X 2,559,616 7/1951 Hapman 34-242 X3,012,427 12/1961 Osban 68-5 3,126,724 3/1964 Kolonits 68-5 3,137,1516/1964 Yoshiike 68-5 WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.34-242; 277-72

